Dale L Leighow

Dale L. Leighow, 91, of Catawissa passed away on Thursday October 20, 2022 at Bloomsburg Care and Rehabilitation Center. He was born April 14, 1931, at the Bloomsburg Hospital. He was the only child of the late David and Sarah (Levan) Leighow.

He lived his entire life on the family farm where he was raised. He was educated in a one room Camp School (near his home) for eight years and graduated in 1949 from Locust Township High School in Numidia. Dale farmed his entire life as long as he was able. He was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical  Lutheran Church, Numidia.

On May 16, 1964, he married Mary K. Brecht of Northumberland. They recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. Mary was involved with the farming, helping him milk cows and then changed to beef cattle, raising hay and grains, and doing all the farm work together as a family.

In 1978 Dale and Mary purchased his grandfathers (Elmer Levan’s) homestead and farmed that as well. It is a very unique farm, as it is completely surrounded by public road, owned by one family.

Dale and his wife Mary are the parents of four daughters, Sally Leighow, and partner Brian Kile, twins Suann Leighow and Suzet Martin, and husband William, and Sonya Leighow and long time partner Debbie Hults of rural Catawissa. Also survived by four grandchildren: Sabrina Vought, and partner Mike Kelchner, of Danville, Wyatt, Sarah, Weston Martin all of Catawissa, and one great-granddaughter Shelby Paige Kelchner, of Danville.

Dale worked about two years at Kawneer in Bloomsburg, then a brief time at Danville State Hospital at the Dairy Barn on the Hospital farm grounds. He then went to work at Bloomsburg State College, now Bloomsburg University, from 1970-1991, first as a security officer and later as a police officer, while also being a part-time police officer for Locust Township Police Dept.

He had many hobbies which included collecting Watch Fobs, Hess Trucks, and old antique farm machinery. He enjoyed attending antique tractor shows, farm shows, watch fob conventions and going small game, deer, and bear hunting. 

Dale was the oldest living lifetime social member of Valley Chemical Fire Co. at time of death, life member of Catawissa Fire Co., lifetime social member of Catawissa VFW #8306, lifetime member since 1951 of Lodge #1133 Danville Moose and belonged to the NRA.

Services will be Wednesday October 26, 2022, at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 23 Ringtown Mountain Road with his pastor, Rev. Gordon Smith officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery. Family will receive friends Tuesday October 25, 2022, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Allen R. Horne Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 193 McIntyre Road, Catawissa.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in memory of Dale to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 23 Ringtown Mt. Rd, Catawissa, Pa 17820 or Valley Chemical Fire Co., 1223 Numidia Dr., Catawissa, Pa 17820.

Family and friends may send online condolences to allenrhornefuneralhome.com. The Allen R. Horne Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Catawissa is handling arrangements.

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